Veronese’s Workshop at the Church of San Sebastiano: Benedetto Caliari and Others

• In Event: Veronese Revealed: Save Venice Inc. at the Church of San Sebastiano II

Abstract

The decoration of the Venetian church of San Sebastiano, almost entirely entrusted to Paolo Veronese, took roughly twenty years to complete. Employing various techniques, the painter decorated the ceilings, walls, organ shutters, and the presbytery with unceasing inventiveness. Veronese’s work began in 1554 with the decoration of the ceiling of the sacristy, followed immediately by the commission of the ceiling of the nave, in 1555. For the latter commission, extant documents record the collaboration of workshop assistants, such as a certain Antonio (possibly Giovanni Antonio Fasolo), and the master’s brother Benedetto Caliari. Taking advantage of the recent studies regarding the organization of Veronese's workshop and insight from Save Venice’s conservation campaign (i.e. x-ray and IR), this paper will explore how the painter coordinated the members of his team, sharing tasks between his assistants. Particular attention will be given to the preeminent role played by his younger brother Benedetto.

Author

• Thomas Dalla Costa, Independent Scholar, Save Venice Inc.